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The consumer's role in Canada's food system

Everyone has a part to play in Canada's food system

As a parent, the last thing you want to think is that food you serve your children could cause them harm. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) works with several government departments and agencies to help keep Canada's food supply safe. As a consumer, you can also help contribute to the country's food safety.

If you have a food safety concern or complaint:

If you suspect you are ill due to something you ate or drank, see a doctor immediately. If possible, try to keep a sample of the food you think might have made you ill — it could prove to be useful if an investigation is necessary – and contact the CFIA.

Provide as many details as you can about the food in question including the brand name, Universal Product Code (UPC), lot code, best before date and date and place of purchase.

How CFIA investigates complaints

Each year, the CFIA conducts about 3,000 investigations — many prompted by consumer concerns — and manages approximately 350 food recalls.

Following an investigation, a risk assessment may also be conducted. If the food is found to be a health risk to the general population, the CFIA asks the manufacturer, importer, distributor or retailer to remove (recall) any affected product from the market, and alerts the public through a food recall or allergy alert news release. You can sign up to receive food recall and allergy alert notices on Healthy Canadians website.

While not everything reported to the CFIA results in a food safety investigation, allergy alert or food recall, by contacting the CFIA with any of your food safety questions or concerns, you're helping ensure that Canada's food supply is kept safe for everybody.